Motivational interviewing in a Web-based physical activity intervention with an avatar: randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Health Psychology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Web-based physical activity (PA) interventions can leverage motivational interviewing (MI) to promote health.
• Integrating avatars into digital interventions may enhance user engagement and effectiveness compared to text-only formats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness and appreciation of a Web-based PA intervention with an avatar versus a text-only version.
• To evaluate the impact of avatar integration on user engagement and intervention outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing an avatar-based MI intervention, a text-based MI intervention, and a control group.
• Measurements included physical activity behavior and process variables at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both Web-based interventions significantly increased self-reported physical activity compared to the control group.
• No significant differences in intervention effectiveness or process outcomes were found between the avatar-based and text-only interventions.
• The avatar's limited relational skills likely prevented enhanced user connection.

Conclusions:

• Avatars must possess advanced relational skills to improve intervention impact beyond text-based approaches.
• Future research should investigate virtual coaches with more sophisticated interaction capabilities for Web-based health interventions.